Solar Panel Cleaning Device with Dual-Axis Autonomous Movement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning large solar and photovoltaic systems efficiently and economically is challenging due to the complexity and high costs associated with existing cleaning devices, which negatively impact system efficiency from surface contamination.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a rotating brush head and dual movement units, where the first movement unit is automatically controlled by a proximity or contact switch/sensor, allowing step-by-step surface coverage without external intervention, and optionally driven by the second movement unit, enabling efficient and cost-effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If existing cleaning devices are used for large solar and photovoltaic systems, then cleaning coverage is achieved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into multiple independent cleaning heads, each capable of autonomous operation. Each cleaning head includes its own drive mechanism and can be controlled independently, allowing the system to clean large areas by coordinating multiple simple units rather than requiring one complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning heads are equipped with autonomous control capabilities through proximity and contact switches that automatically detect the presence of other cleaning heads and adjust their operation accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems while maintaining coordinated operation across multiple units.
2Reliability
If existing cleaning devices are deployed, then surface cleaning is performed, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device utilizes the weight of the cleaning heads themselves and their automatic interaction through contact switches to drive the cleaning operation. The system requires minimal external control or monitoring, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining reliable cleaning performance.
3Ease of operation
If manual control of cleaning heads is used, then positioning is achieved, but operator intervention increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning heads automatically position themselves relative to each other through contact switches that detect when cleaning heads are in proximity. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for manual control or complex automated positioning systems, achieving high extent of automation with minimal operator intervention.
4Productivity
If separate guide devices are used for cleaning heads, then movement control is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device functionality is extracted from the cleaning heads themselves and replaced by direct interaction between the cleaning heads through contact switches. The cleaning heads use their own structures and weights to control movement and positioning, eliminating the need for separate guide devices while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
5Extent of automation
If multiple independent drives are provided for each cleaning head, then autonomous operation is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanisms of multiple cleaning heads are merged into a single coordinated system through contact switches. When cleaning heads come into contact or proximity, their drive mechanisms interact to synchronize movement, allowing autonomous operation with reduced overall complexity compared to fully independent drives.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Device for cleaning a surface (12), in particular on solar or photovoltaic systems. The device has at least one cleaning head (20) which comprises at least one cleaning member (24). The cleaning element (24) is in particular a brush that can be set in rotation. The device also has a movement device for moving the cleaning head (20) over at least part of the surface (12) to be cleaned. The movement device has a first movement unit (16) that can be moved in a first direction (R1) and a second movement unit (22). The cleaning head (20) can be moved by means of the second movement unit (22) along a guide means (30), which is connected to the first movement unit (16), transversely or at an angle to the first direction of movement (R1). A control means arranged on the first (16) and/or the second movement unit (22) enables the first movement unit (16) to be moved automatically depending on a position of the second movement unit (22).